Gizmodo: idrive

BMW iDrive 4.0 Remixes Xbox 360 and iPod into Simpler Control System

Jesus Diaz — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:00:00 EDT

The much-criticized BMW iDrive central control dashboard has been updated to its fourth version, and it seems that this time they have got it right. Abandoning the previous compass-based user interface, the new iDrive adopts the hierarchical vertical menu system of the iPod, mixing it with an interface similar to the Xbox 360. Apart from the faster navigation this provides, they have also included new features to make it faster and more useful:

• The iDrive knob is surrounded by seven buttons to give quick access to: CD, main menu, phone, radio, navigation, options screen, and "go back".
• 8.8-inch widescreen display. It's not a touchscreen because BMW thinks it's more comfortable and safe to use the knob (I completely agree with them).
• Voice recognition system is now better thanks to a new faster processor.
• There's a central area in the interface that shows the selected function with an easy to identify icon.
• If you connect it to the iPod, you will get a similar navigation by track, album, and artist.
• Rips CDs or copy music files through USB.
• GPS function allows for two views (like a general flat map and a closer 3D view).
• New alphanumeric keyboard in a circle, which is faster and easier to control with the iDrive knob.
• Users can "hack" their iDrive with custom programs that previously only dealers could change.

If you are planning to get a BMW, you will find the iDrive 4.0 in the 2009 3 Series and 1 Series as a $2,000 option, or standard in the 7 Series next spring. [NYT]

Rumor: BMW Dropping iDrive For Apple Compatibility?

Jason Chen — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 18:40:25 EST

Autospies has a juicy rumor on BMW, iDrive, the iPod and an apparent dropping of one standard in favor of another. Their tipster tells them that BMW will drop the iDrive system—which has gotten not-so-fabulous reviews—in favor of an interface that they've collaborated with Apple on. It's unclear exactly what type of UI this would be, or whether it would allow the iPhone/iPod to dock into the car much like the recent Land Rover LRX Concept. [Auto Spies]

Afternoon News: Microsoft Shares, BMW Networks, Feet Smell Heavenly and More

Benny Goldman — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:00:27 EST

• God-Cleaner foot bath claims to draw toxins out of your body through your feet. Cleanliness may be next to Godliness, but in this case it's pretty darn close to Rip-off-iness. [BBG]
• Internet Explorer has fewer security vulnerabilities than Firefox, according to security analyst Jeffery Jones. In other news, Mr. Jones probably knows your bank password. [Ars Technica]
• Microsoft buys file-sharing startup WebFives. File-sharing just got way less fun. [Infoworld]
• BMW testing iDrive, an IP-networked car computer system. Who needs to play license plate bingo when you can have a LAN party? [Autoblog]
• Universal forces their artists to cut songs streamed on MySpace to 90 seconds. But they were just getting to the good part! [Idolator]

Mini Cooper to Get iDrive Car System

Gizloco — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 10:47:47 EDT

Usually found in BMWs, it looks like the Mini Cooper will be getting a simplified version of the hate-it-or-love-it iDrive driver assistance system. Starting with the 2007 model year, Mini Cooper drivers will get to control some of their car's different system—like climate control, audio system and navigation—with the help of iDrive.

One of the knocks against the iDrive is that it encourages drivers to look at all sorts of things that aren't, you know, the road ahead and surrounding traffic. That is supposedly being worked on with suggestions that the Mini Cooper's version of the iDrive will feature more voice-activiated interaction, leading to less wandering eyeballs. – Nicholas Deleon

Let's Interface: Mini to Get BMW's iDrive [Jalopnik]

BMW Integrates Samsung Music Phone

tgrumet — Mon, 31 Oct 2005 10:53:43 EST

Life is tough: You are on the verge of buying that new BMW series 5, but then the Porsche Cayenne is coming along and you can't quite make up your mind about which car to drop your ducats on. Well, this news should tip the scales for you. Samsung has partnered with BMW to add an SGH-1300 music phone with a 3GB hard drive into the Series 5 cars. The phone is linked directly to BMW's iDrive control interface, which also gives you access to other functions of the car (you know, like the flame throwers and passenger ejection seat). Now go out there and spend your life savings will you?

BMW 5-Series to Integrate Samsung's SGH-i300 Handset [SamsungHQ]